Mitochondrial GPCRs and neuroprotection – mitoGPCR

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are excellent drug targets. Recent data show that GPCRs are not only expressed on the cell surface but also in intracellular compartments where they have important functions. This raises the question of the specific receptor subpopulation to be targeted to achieve a desired therapeutic effect. The melatonin type 1 (MT1) and cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors are two important GPCRs for which there is convincing data of the functional expression in neuronal mitochondria. Melatonin and endocanabinoids are known to have neuroprotective properties. The goal of our project is to study the contribution of mitochondrial MT1 and CB1 receptors to this neuroprotective effect. The project will increase our knowledge on the function of intracellular GPCRs. Development of drugs targeting either surface receptors or intracellular receptors are likely to show reduced side effects of drugs and improved therapeutic efficacy.